Current Intern/Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Intern/Leadership Opportunities webpage weekly to view any and all new opportunities that are open to PHS students to apply to. On this page specifically, we try to provide information on Internship and Leadership Opportunities that become available for students to apply to. These are wonderful experiences that enhance student engagement and leadership exposure, which always looks impressive on resume and future job/college/scholarship applications.
Click HERE to view the list of the Intern/Leadership Opportunities that were posted on the PHS Scholarships Webpage during the 2024-25 school year. There is no guarantee that each of these opportunities will be available again for the 25-26 school year; however, we are hopeful that they will be and that the timeframes will be similar of their application availability as they were last school year!
Below are mostly local, state, and/or some national Internship/Leadership Opportunities that are currently available for students to apply to:
1) Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (posted on 10/28/25)
-The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Current 9th -11th high school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 11th – 24th, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
-Click HERE for more information on the summer leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is December 3rd, 2025.
2) Appalachian STEM Academy (posted on 10/28/25)
-The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. High school participants currently in grades 9th - 11th will work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and both high school and middle school students will conduct guided group science, math, computer science, and technology research projects. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.
-The High School STEM Academy will run two sessions during July 2026.
-Click HERE for more information on this summer leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is December 3rd, 2025.
3) AEMC Washington Youth Tour (posted on 11/28/25)
-Amicalola EMC will choose four high school juniors to represent our service area on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, a prestigious youth leadership program in Georgia. Delegates from around the state enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Along with this experience, AEMC delegates will also receive a college scholarship. The 2026 Washington Youth Tour will take place June 12-19, 2026. To be eligible for this opportunity students must live in an AEMC household. For this program, AEMC is looking for the best overall student; someone who is well rounded, has the ability to meet new people, and works well with a group. Winners are chosen primarily based upon the essay they submit and their ability to do well during a face-to-face interview with a selected committee from AEMC. We will schedule these interviews in February once all of the applications have been received and the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, will notify you of your interview day and time.
-Click HERE for more information about the scholarship opportunity and to access the online scholarship application.
-The deadline to apply for this opportunity is January 31st, 2026. AEMC will notify the winners of this scholarship opportunity in March.
4) Mercer University CASE Program (posted on 11/28/25)
-To be a CASE (Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence) Scholar through Mercer University, students must be a sophomore or junior during the 2025-26 academic year, hold a 3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrate continued involvement in service during high school, and submit an application form or be nominated for the program by a school staff member. Eligible nominees will then be invited to apply to the program by the Office of University Admissions. Scholars will be awarded the Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence along with a $500 scholarship, contingent upon their acceptance and enrollment to Mercer University.
-Click HERE for more information on the CASE Program.
-Click HERE to complete a student application.
-The deadline to submit your online student application is March 1st, 2026 (not identified on the website yet, but this was the deadline date last school year). If chosen as a CASE Scholar, then you will be notified by Mercer University in April of 2026.
5) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 11/28/25)
-The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets will host their National Leadership Challenge (NLC) Weekend on March 27th-29th for JROTC cadets and other high school students (grades 9th-12th) who are considering a military program in college. Selected students will rappel down a sheer rock cliff at the Army's Mountain Ranger Camp in Dahlonega, construct a rope bridge across a mountain stream, negotiate obstacle and leadership reaction course elements, observe demonstrations by UNG cadet organizations, and meet some of our cadets.
-NLC Weekend is offered twice per year (fall and spring), and space is limited to 200 students. Students in grades 9th through 12th are all welcomed to apply.
-Click HERE to review the eligibility requirements and to access the online application if you are interested in this opportunity.
-Although no deadline is specified on their website, it is encouraged that you complete your online application by 3/20.
6) Keep Pickens Beautiful (KPB) Teen Squad Volunteer Opportunity
-Want to earn volunteer hours by helping Keep Pickens Beautiful? Then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! You will earn volunteer hours while working outdoors to beautify your community by planting and maintaining gardens, helping with special events, and participating in community clean-ups.
-Click HERE to register now as a KPB Teen and to sign up for volunteer hours that will be available on Sundays from 2-4pm.
7) Talking Rock Events Committee (TREC) Volunteer Opportunities
-The lovely Talking Rock Community hosts several events throughout the year and is looking for volunteer help.
-For more information and how to sign up to volunteer, please email the Talking Rock Events Committee at events@talkingrockga.com or call/text them at 706-851-9152 (if you text, then please provide your name in the message).
Past Internship/Leadership Opportunities
The following is a list of intern/leadership opportunities that were posted and the deadlines have since passed:
1) Youth Leadership Pickens 25-26 (posted on 8/6/25 and the deadline was 8/15/25).
2) Georgia State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Application (posted on 8/1/25 and the deadline was 9/5/25).
3) 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (posted on 8/14/25 & the deadline was 9/30/25).
4) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 10/31/25).
5) 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 11/1/25).
6) YES Workforce Academy (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 10/31/25).
7) 25-26 PCSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 11/7/25).
8) Georgia DNR Career Academy (posted on 10/26/25 & the deadline was 11/17/25).